Israel, much like the fortress of Tel-Chai that Jospeh Trumpeldor fought to defend against Arab conquerors in 1920, finds itself beseiged by enemies both within and without. Terrorists, would-be friends inside and outside Israel, and even bad government officials. Here are the discussions of one proud Zionist resident on the state of the nation and abroad.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Haredi yeshiva student convicted of attacking Haredi paper editor

Some justice done in disturbing case of assault on free speech within the Haredi community:

A man suspected of attacking and injuring Nati Grossman – editor-in-chief of the haredi newspaper HaPeles – was convicted of aggravated assault on Monday by the Jerusalem District Court.

The motivation for the attack was the acrimonious split in the haredi world over the rabbinic leadership of the ultra-Orthodox community and a subsequent battle over control of the leading haredi newspaper Yated Ne’eman. [...]

Grossman, along with other Yated stalwarts with allegiance to Rabbi Shmuel Auerbach – a rival to Shteinman who heads what is known as the Jerusalem Faction – set up HaPeles to advance Auerbach’s positions.

The rift in the haredi world led to several violent incidents, and communal tensions were high.

On December 21, Haim Perelstein, a 21-year-old yeshiva student at the Ponevezh Yehisva in Bnei Brak, and another individual attacked Grossman outside his residence in Jerusalem’s Bayit Vagan neighborhood late at night. Grossman sustained cuts and bruises to his face and several broken fingers.

Perelstein, who pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault, is yet to be sentenced.

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About me

I'm Avi Green

From Jerusalem, Israel

I was born in Pennsylvania in 1974, and moved to Israel in 1983. I also enjoyed reading a lot of comics when I was young, the first being Fantastic Four. I maintain a strong belief in the public's right to knowledge and accuracy in facts. I like to think of myself as a conservative-style version of Clark Kent. I don't expect to be perfect at the job, but I do my best.